After a 14 to 7 defeat at the hands of Canyon Lake, Blanco looked to reverse their fortunes this past Friday as they traveled to Lexington to take on the #10 ranked Eagles. Although the Panthers managed to keep the game close for almost two quarters, Lexington pulled away for a 32 to 7 win.

The first quarter saw both teams trade field position several times before Lexington connected on a 40-yard pass play. A successful PAT put the Eagles up 7 to 0 at the end of the first quarter. Blanco answered at the start of the second quarter, completing a 9 play 56 yard drive with QB Tanner Rogers finding Sam Isenberg for a 34-yard touchdown pass. TJ Raby then split the uprights to tie the score at 7. Lexington wasted little time answering the Panthers’ scoring drive with one of their own to find the end zone on a 1-yard run. A failed PAT left the Eagles up 13 to 7. Blanco threatened again late in the quarter, moving the ball to the Eagle 8-yard line before an interception in the end zone ended the Panther scoring threat. After forcing Lexington to punt on their next possession, the Panthers took over on their own 8-yard line with only seconds remaining. However, with just one play remaining in the half, Lexington forced a fumble and returned the ball 8 yards for the score. After a successful PAT, the Eagles led at the half 20 to 7.

The second half saw two more scores by the Eagles, an 11-yard run at the end of the third quarter and a 20-yard pass play early in the fourth. The Panthers, however, struggled to move the ball the entire second half, gaining just one first down through the last two quarters.

Offensively, Tim Goodman led the way, gaining 66 yards on 20 carries while Tanner Rogers added another 56 yards through the air. As a team, the Panthers picked up seven first downs and 120 yards in total offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, Blanco forced four punts and an interception by Alex Palos in addition to watching the Eagles commit ten penalties.

The Panthers will return home this Friday for their home opener as they host the Somerset Bulldogs. Somerset enters the game at 1 and 1 after losing to Altair Rice last week. Kick-off is set for 7:30pm.